ColoradoKote
Precision Cerakote ceramic coatings for aerospace, defense, and industrial components.
Three Stages of Conversion Coating
Precise chemistry control at every step ensures uniform oxide formation and consistent corrosion protection across every lot.
Multi-Stage Surface Decontamination
Parts move through alkaline cleaning and acid deoxidizing to remove oils, oxides, and handling contaminants. Rinse water conductivity is verified below 10 microsiemens per centimeter between each step to prevent cross-contamination of the conversion bath.
Controlled Chemical Reaction
Parts are immersed in MIL-DTL-5541 conversion solution at 70-90 degrees F for 2-5 minutes. Solution concentration is monitored daily through titration. Temperature is held within 5 degrees F of specification to ensure uniform oxide layer formation.
Deionized Water Rinse and Inspection
Multi-stage deionized water rinses remove all residual chemistry. Visual inspection confirms uniform coating color and coverage. Coating weight is measured at 40-100 mg per square foot to verify specification compliance before release.
The Chemical Conversion Coating Process
Chemical conversion coatings create a thin oxide layer on aluminum that improves corrosion resistance and promotes adhesion for subsequent coatings. ColoradoKote processes Type I and Type II formulations under AS9100 protocols with full solution monitoring and lot traceability.
What Our Conversion Coating Delivers
Process parameters are monitored, recorded, and traceable to each lot for complete quality documentation.
Hours Salt Spray Resistance
Type I Class 1A conversion coating delivers 168+ hours of salt spray resistance per ASTM B117. The protective oxide barrier guards against moisture, salt spray, and galvanic contact on aluminum alloys including 2024, 6061, and 7075.
Full Lot Traceability
Solution concentration, temperature logs, immersion times, and visual inspection results are recorded and traceable to each lot number. Your Certificate of Conformance contains all process parameters and coating weight measurements.
Coating Thickness
Conversion coating forms at under 1 micron thickness, creating zero dimensional change to machined parts. Thread fits, bearing surfaces, and mating components remain unaffected while gaining corrosion protection and enhanced coating adhesion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities
In many applications, yes. Cerakote provides comparable hardness (9H pencil hardness, ASTM D3363) and superior corrosion resistance (3,000 hours ASTM B117 versus 200-500 hours for decorative chrome) without the hexavalent chromium hazardous waste stream. The coating applies at 0.5-2 mils with no hydrogen embrittlement risk. For industrial components where chrome plating is specified, we recommend qualification testing on sample parts before full production conversion.
Passivation preserves the existing surface finish of polished stainless steel, including mirror finishes, brushed textures, and bead-blasted surfaces. The acid bath removes only free iron and contaminants without altering dimensions or surface texture. For automotive show pieces needing specific colors or additional protection, Cerakote can be applied over the passivated surface with color consistency within Delta E 1.5 and hundreds of finish options available.
Yes. Engine room components face heat, fuel and oil exposure, salt atmosphere, and vibration that create a multi-threat environment for coatings. Cerakote's temperature range from -40°F to 2,000°F handles exhaust and engine heat, while its chemical resistance protects against fuel, lubricants, and coolant. The 9H hardness and impact resistance of 160/160 inch-pounds withstand the tool contact and vibration typical of marine engine rooms.
Yes. Cerakote delivers 3,000 hours salt spray resistance (ASTM B117) at 0.5-2 mils, while powder coating achieves only 500-1,500 hours at 4-6 mils. This means you get superior corrosion protection at a fraction of the coating weight. For applications where every gram matters, such as aerospace structures, UAVs, and performance vehicles, Cerakote provides the protection of a heavy coating system in a lightweight package.
Polymer coatings apply at thin film builds comparable to Cerakote, adding minimal weight compared to heavy rubber linings, multi-coat paint systems, or thick epoxy coatings traditionally used for chemical resistance. For aerospace and defense applications where weight is critical, polymer coating provides chemical and flex protection at a fraction of the weight of traditional flexible barrier coatings. This weight advantage is especially valuable when combined with Cerakote topcoat in a lightweight multi-layer system.
Ready for Conversion Coating
Provide your aluminum part specifications and required MIL-DTL compliance level. Receive a quote with processing details and lead time.